Central African Republic Expats in Colombia — 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

Why Central African Republic Nationals Choose Colombia

Colombia has emerged as a compelling destination for Central African Republic nationals seeking stability, opportunity, and a high quality of life at an accessible cost. Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali offer world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural scenes, and a growing international business community — a stark contrast to the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in the CAR. The relatively low cost of living, warm climate, and welcoming bureaucratic pathways for migrants make Colombia an increasingly popular choice for CAR professionals, investors, and families looking to build a new chapter.

Colombia's robust legal framework for migration, administered through Migración Colombia, provides multiple visa pathways that can accommodate pensioners, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and family members of Colombian nationals. The Andean country's geographic diversity — from Caribbean beaches to Andean cities — combined with a growing economy and the Spanish language's global reach, makes it especially attractive for Francophone Africans prepared to embrace a new language and culture in a secure, Latin American environment.

Colombian Migrant Visa (Visa M) — Categories & Fees 2026

The Visa Migrante (Visa M) is Colombia's main long-stay visa for non-nationals without Colombian family ties. It is issued for up to three years and can lead to permanent residency (Visa R) after five consecutive years. All CAR nationals must apply from the Colombian Embassy in Yaoundé.

SMMLV 2026 = COP 1,423,500/month. The study fee (USD 255) is non-refundable and paid at application. The issuance fee (USD 232) is paid only upon approval. Both fees apply regardless of nationality.

Mandatory Health Insurance in Colombia

Colombian law (Decreto 1067 de 2015 and Resolución 3167 de 2019) requires all foreign nationals holding a Visa M to be enrolled in the Colombian health system. Migrants may join the contributory EPS (Entidad Promotora de Salud) regime or hold an approved private health insurance policy that meets Migración Colombia's coverage minimums for the full duration of their stay.

For CAR nationals, given that the Central African Republic does not have a bilateral social security agreement with Colombia, enrollment in a qualified private plan is often the most practical route — especially upon first arrival, before a formal employment contract is in place. CoVisas Colombia partners with leading insurers to provide compliant, affordable coverage for all Visa M holders.

Tax Residency in Colombia: No Double-Taxation Treaty with CAR

Colombia and the Central African Republic have no bilateral Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (CDI). This means that CAR nationals who become Colombian tax residents — defined as spending more than 183 days in the country in any 365-day period — may face tax obligations in both countries simultaneously on certain income streams. Colombian residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%.

In the CAR, the tax authority is the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI). The CAR operates a progressive personal income tax system up to approximately 30%, levied on income generated within the country. Diamond and gold export revenues — historically important sectors — have been severely disrupted by ongoing conflict. CAR nationals living abroad are generally not subject to CAR income tax on foreign-sourced income, but you should consult a cross-border tax specialist, as the absence of a CDI with Colombia means no formal mechanism for offsetting taxes paid in one country against those due in the other.

Document Legalization for Colombia (Non-Hague Country)

The Central African Republic is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents issued in the CAR therefore cannot receive a simple apostille stamp. Instead, CAR nationals must follow a four-step legalization process before their documents are accepted by Colombian authorities.

1. Notarize the document before a recognized notary or competent authority in the Central African Republic (e.g., the Procureur de la République in Bangui or a licensed notaire).
2. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the CAR — the Ministère des Affaires Étrangères in Bangui must certify the notary's signature and the document's authenticity.
3. Authentication by the Colombian Embassy in Yaoundé — the Embassy (accredited for the CAR) must then legalize the MoFA seal and signature, confirming the document's validity for use in Colombia.
4. Certified French-to-Spanish translation — all documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator certified by the Colombian Superior Council of the Judicature (Consejo Superior de la Judicatura) or a sworn translator recognized by the Colombian Consulate.

Criminal Record Certificate (Casier Judiciaire)

For the Visa M application, Colombia requires a police clearance or criminal record certificate covering the last three years. CAR nationals can obtain their Casier Judiciaire from the Gendarmerie Nationale or the Procureur de la République in Bangui. Alternatively, CAR nationals residing abroad may request this certificate through the CAR Embassy in Paris or New York. The certificate must then follow the four-step legalization process described above.